Saint-Louis: the African Venice

Built at the mouth of the Senegal River, Saint-Louis is criss-crossed with canals, one of the world's rare cities built on the water.

Capital of the French colony of Senegal from 1673 to 1902, ‘Saint-Louis du Senegal' is an island city that has a special place in the hearts of the Senegalese and all who visit—indeed, UNESCO classified the city as a World Heritage Site of Humanity in 2000. Saint-Louis is a city that has music in its blood; it is no wonder that the famous Saint-Louis Jazz festival is held here every year in May. Cross the seven arches of the recently renovated Faidherbe Bridge, originally opened in 1897, that connects the island to the mainland, and enter the historic district. Discover the only mosque in the world with a bell and a clock; or simply admire the colonial houses along the streets. Lose yourself in the city's various streets where jazz buffs improvise continuously, or visit a long white sand beach on the Atlantic, just a few minutes away.